Spain will host the final of the 2030 men’s World Cup, the country’s football federation president confirmed on Monday. The tournament will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, while the opening three matches will take place in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to mark the 100th anniversary of the competition.
Rafael Louzan, president of the Spanish Football Federation, said Spain has proven its organisational capacity over many years and will lead the tournament. “The final of that World Cup will be held here,” Louzan stated, though he did not specify which stadium will host the match. Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu and Barcelona’s Nou Camp are the main candidates.
Morocco has expressed interest in hosting the final at the Grand Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, which is expected to be completed in 2028 with a capacity of 115,000. Last year, Morocco’s Royal Football Federation president Faouzi Lekjaa said he hoped the stadium could stage a final against Spain. However, Louzan emphasized that Spain’s proven infrastructure and organisational experience give it the edge.
The announcement follows chaotic scenes during this month’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final in Morocco, which Louzan referenced. Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw pulled his team off the field after a controversial VAR decision, and unrest occurred among fans in the stands. Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved, and Senegal eventually won 1-0 in extra time. Louzan noted that while Morocco is developing impressive stadiums, the incidents at Afcon were damaging to world football’s image.
Spain has proposed 11 stadiums to host matches in the 2030 World Cup, while Morocco and Portugal plan to use six and three, respectively. FIFA has previously said it is too early to confirm the final venue, noting that the 2026 final host was only revealed two years before the tournament.
The 2030 tournament will open in South America as a tribute to the first World Cup in 1930, staged and won by Uruguay. Argentina, the beaten finalists in 1930, and Paraguay, home to the South American football confederation Conmebol, will host the opening matches, highlighting the centennial celebration of global football.
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